Fate can change in an instant, showcasing the incredible speed with which fate can be revealed in twists and turns.
This is evident in the journey of Gbolahan Yusuf, who went from being a waiter at The Place restaurant in Surulere, Lagos, to now working his way to the pinnacle of international fashion as a Fendi runway model.
Italian luxury fashion house Fendi is famous for boosting the careers of many models, including Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Kendall Jenner.
The transformation was captured in a video posted on Instagram and TikTok by Temitope Olaole, a model scout with Cias Models Management.
Founded in Lagos by Femi Alabi, Cias Models is a talent scouting, development and model agency focused on transforming lives through fashion.
The video showcases his journey from being a restaurant cashier and server to becoming a runway model for Fendi fashion house.
Internet users are amazed at the boy's rapid growth and are calling the change “a transformation with the help of fate.”
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discovery
The story began with Temitope's frequent visits to The Place, a Nigerian restaurant where Gbolahan worked as a cashier and server.
According to the model scout, the video was posted in June 2024, but he was discovered in 2023.
The entrepreneur, who frequented the nail salon, had been served by Gbolahan on a number of occasions.
But during one visit, she noticed something different about him.
Temitope said: “I was a regular customer at the restaurant in Surulere last year. I visited there many times for meals and saw Gbolahan often.”
“One day, I had an epiphany! I saw him printing out invoices on his desk and I thought to myself, 'Why didn't I notice this before? What took me so long to notice this?' I immediately pulled out my phone and took my first video.”
Gbolahan Yusuf walks the runway at Milan Fashion Week
conversion
Temitope immediately sent the video to his boss at Sias Models Management, who was intrigued and asked to see more photos of Gbolahan.
Following this, a second video showed Gbolahan being measured for his height, as he was wearing a plain T-shirt and black jeans.
After several rounds of evaluations and preparation, he made his modeling debut at Walking for Fendi during Milan Fashion Week Men's SS25, held in Italy from June 14th to 18th.
In the transformation video, which has since captivated social media, Gbolahan is seen striding confidently down the runway in a short grey suit, loose-fitting business trousers and stylish black shoes, carrying a stylish box.
In another recent photo posted on the Cias Models page, Gbolahan is seen donning a colourful fashion ensemble by JW Anderson SS25, black loose fitting trousers and stylish light brown shoes.
“Today Gbolahan, who used to work as a waiter in Lagos, Nigeria, made his Fendi debut in Milan. I am speechless at his first runway appearance, all I can say is glory to God. Blessings to Gbolahan and the entire Siath team for making the journey from waiter in Lagos to the runway in Milan!” Temitope wrote.
Nigerians are calling the former cashier's transformation from a neglected waiter in a Lagos restaurant to a global fashion celebrity a “metamorphosis aided by fate.”
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Thanks
Gbolahan’s story has not only touched people’s hearts but also inspired many.
He expressed his gratitude in an Instagram post, saying, “Thank you all for all the love and support I've received.”
“You all don't know me but you've shown me so much love and I don't take it for granted. God bless you all.”
Gbolahan's journey from restaurant cashier to international Fendi model became a hot topic online, with many Nigerians congratulating him on his achievement.
Netizens have praised Temitope for his keen eye in spotting potential in people who initially went unnoticed.
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